I met Cindy Stark Reid, MA, LPC, LMT a few months ago at a survivor's luncheon I attended.  She is the facilitator at a bunch of the wonderful classes offered at Piedmont's Cancer Wellness, like "Couple's Enrichment and Support" and "Massage Therapy."  Here's Cindy, dedicating her life to the wellness of others, and I just learned that she has a daughter that has been very ill for a long time.  The story of her daughter Joanna is extraordinary and touching.  You have a chance to meet Joanna and help her and others like her through a documentary screening about her journey this Thursday night.  Please read the press release below, and even if you can't attend the screening you can still help Joanna and find out more about her at  joannacare.org 

Dr. Neil Shulman-Documentary Screening

I Want to live: Going bankrupt to stay alive.

The average medical bankruptcy filer has health insurance.

However, many individuals DO NOT have the money to stay alive.

The charity organization, JoannaCare, was established under the umbrella of The Children's Cross Connection International, a 501(c)(3) organization, in response to the unfailing illness of a young 24 year old woman, Joanna Reid, from Atlanta.  Joanna suffers from the effects of several neurological conditions, a connective tissue disorder, and an immune system deficiency.  After over 35 surgeries and living the majority of the past year in the hospital, she struggles daily with the knowledge that at some point her medical bills could bankrupt her family and cost her her life. This organization helps defray extreme medical expenses for individuals who have continuous medical financial challenges.  

Film maker, writer, and physician Neil Shulman, best known for writing and producing the movie Doc Hollywood starring Michael J. Fox, was intrigued by Joanna; along with his wife Zoe, Neil came to the hospital and the couple interviewed Joanna, her family, friends, and two of her doctors. The result is a documentary about a young woman with a problematic body but a determined spirit.

JoannaCare will host a charity documentary screening this Thursday from 8pm-10pm at DeKalb School of the Arts, 1192 Clarendon Ave Avondale Estates, in the school's theater behind the main building. The purpose of this charity event is to raise awareness and monetary contributions to benefit Joanna and other individuals who face medical conditions in which insurance limits have been reached and out of pocket expenses continue to rise. Tickets prices are $10 and will be available for purchase at the event.  Accepted payment methods include cash and checks.